ALPA continues to work to defeat
Bill C-377—An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Requirements for Labour
Organizations)—legislation that is now being considered by the Senate of Canada.
Capt. Georges Dawood, secretary-treasurer of ALPA’s Canada Board, appeared
before the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce yesterday
to urge members of the Senate to oppose this legislation, which would impose
onerous and administratively expensive reporting requirements on labour
organizations.

Speaking on behalf of ALPA’s
2,800 Canadian members, Dawood detailed the negative effect that the bill would
have if it were enacted. “The bill is discriminatory against members of labour
organizations, its reporting functions are contrary to the privacy policy of the
Income Tax Act, and its enactment would cost Canadian taxpayers substantial
funds…to fix a problem that does not exist,” he said.

During the hearing, Dawood
challenged the stated purpose of the bill—to provide accountability through
transparency— and underscored ALPA’s concerns related to confidentiality and
privacy. Representatives from a several other labour unions across Canada also
expressed their staunch opposition to the legislation, citing similar concerns.

ALPA has adamantly fought against
the passage of C-377 since it was introduced as a private member’s bill by
Conservative MP Russ Hiebert in December 2011. The legislation has passed in the
House of Commons and had its second reading in the Senate in May, when it was
referred to the Senate committee.

ALPA will continue to oppose this
affront to pilots and union workers across Canada.